On 18 March 2025, in Medellin - Northeast (Antioquia), more than 5,000 people marched to Los Deseos Park in support of the social reforms proposed by President Gustavo Petro (PH). The protests were called nationwide by the president after the announcement of the imminent defeat in Congress of the labor reform proposed by his government. Public workers, farmers, teachers, and unions participated in the demonstrations.

Colombia Medellin Peace Protest Supply-Chain Risk Briefing

Summary

A peace protest supporting President Petro's social reforms took place in Medellin, Colombia on March 18, with approximately 5,000 participants. The demonstration, involving civil servants, farmers, teachers, and unions, followed the President's nationwide protest call in response to potential rejection of labor reform bills in Congress. The protest currently maintains a peaceful nature.

Supply-chain impact

• Medellin downtown logistics delays - Potential temporary traffic controls and logistics movement delays due to protest marches
• Antioquia province agricultural sector - Concerns over short-term changes in agricultural product shipment schedules due to farmer participation
• Manufacturing labor risks - Potential production disruptions at manufacturing facilities if union participation expands
• Colombia domestic distribution network - Need to review impact on logistics networks between major cities if protests spread further

Watch points

• Nationwide protest expansion - Trends of protests spreading to other major cities (Bogotá, Cali, Barranquilla)
• Congressional vote results on labor reform bills - Potential for additional large-scale protests and changes in intensity if rejection is confirmed